Protect what you own: Why every home needs an inventory list

Your home is filled with items that support your everyday life, from furniture and electronics to clothing, jewellery, tools, and keepsakes. If something unexpected happened, such as a fire, theft, or water damage, would you know how much it would cost to replace everything?

A home inventory list can help you:

• Keep track of what you own.
• Understand the value of your belongings.
• Support a home insurance claim, if needed.
• Confirm that your coverage still fits your needs.

What is a home inventory list?

A home inventory list is a detailed record of the belongings in your home. It typically includes each item’s name, brand, model number, serial number, purchase date, estimated value, and supporting documents, such as receipts, warranties, photos, or videos.

Homeowners and renters can both benefit from keeping an updated inventory. The more complete your list is, the easier it may be to review your coverage and provide details to your insurer after a covered loss.

Why should you have a record of what’s in your home?

A list of your belongings is a simple tool that can make a big difference when reviewing your insurance needs or preparing for the unexpected. It can help you:

• Understand what you own and what it may cost to replace your belongings.
• Review whether your home or tenant insurance coverage reflects the value of your possessions.
• Identify high-value items, such as jewellery, electronics, collectibles, or specialty equipment, that may need additional optional coverage.
• Provide a clearer record of damaged, lost, or stolen items if you need to make a claim.
• Show proof of ownership through receipts, photos, videos, warranties, or product details.

How to create and store a list of your personal items

Choose a format that is easy for you to maintain. You can use one method or combine a few for a more complete record.

• Use a written list. A notebook, binder, or printed form can work well if you prefer a hard copy.
• Create a digital file. A spreadsheet, PDF, or Word document can make it easier to update and back up your information. Download our handy home inventory form and fill out a sheet for each room in your home.
• Take photos. Photos can help document item condition, ownership, and details such as serial numbers.
• Record a video walkthrough. A room-by-room video can capture larger items, storage areas, and belongings that may be easy to overlook.

Store your list of personal property somewhere safe and accessible. Ideally, keep more than one copy in different places, such as a secure cloud folder, your email, an external drive, or a safety deposit box. If your home is damaged, you’ll want to be able to access your inventory list quickly.

Tips for building a useful inventory of your personal property

• Go room by room. Breaking the task into smaller sections can make the process feel more manageable.
• Capture key details. Include item descriptions, purchase dates, receipts, warranties, serial numbers, and estimated values when available.
• Pay attention to high-value items. Jewellery, electronics, sports equipment, tools, artwork, and collectibles may have coverage limits under your policy.
• Include everyday belongings. Clothing, kitchenware, bedding, books, and other smaller items can add up quickly.
• Check storage areas. Remember to include items in your garage, shed, basement, attic, and outdoor living spaces.
• Use photos and videos. Visual records can help support your list and make it easier to document what you own.
• Back up your files. Keep digital and hard-copy backups so your inventory is protected if one version is lost or damaged.

Looking for more ways to protect your home and belongings? Explore our Loss Prevention Program for helpful insurance insights, seasonal checklists, and practical advice.

When should you update your list?

Your home inventory should change as your life changes. Review and update it when:

• You buy or receive a high-value item.
• You complete a renovation or major home update.
• You move to a new home.
• You make seasonal changes to stored items, tools, or outdoor equipment.
• You review or renew your home insurance policy.

How Orbit Insurance Services can help

A home inventory list can help you make more informed insurance decisions, especially if you own high-value items or have made recent changes to your home. Orbit Insurance Services can help you review your home insurance options and find coverage tailored to your needs.

Request a quote, and an Orbit insurance broker will reach out to help you find the right coverage to suit your needs.

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